AOA Redefines the K-pop Girl Group

August 2, 2012

Dance Idols or Rock Band? Introducing Jimin, Choa, Hyejeong, Seolhyun, Minah, Yoona, Chanmi, and Yookyung of AOA — also known as Ace of Angels — who join rookie artist Juniel and idol bands CNBLUE and FT Island as the newest addition to the FNC Music family.

On July 30, after releasing their first single Angels’ Story, the girls held their debut showcase at AX-Korea for reporters and industry officials. After a round of shy introductions, member Choa explained that AOA would be promoting in two units, the seven-member girl group AOA-White and rock band AOA-Black, which includes eighth member Yookyung, AOA’s half-angel and drummer. Reporters took note of a couple familiar faces: Seolhyun played the role of Lee Hongki’s girlfriend in FT Island’s “Severely” music video, while Hyejeong recently guested on the drama A Gentleman’s Dignity. Labelmates Minhyuk and Jonghyun of CNBLUE and Juniel also caught the eye of reporters, as the three had dropped by to show their support for their lovable juniors.

After performing both the dance and rock versions of their title track “Elvis,” the girls of AOA showed off their versatility as a group, awing those in attendance with a special dance cover of Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” and a heartfelt rendition of “Love is Only You,” which was written by CNBLUE’s Jung Yonghwa.

AOA will make their television debut with “Elvis” on August 9 through Mnet’s M!Countdown and are expected to win over fans with their unique and refreshing take on the standard K-pop girl group.